Last updated at 16:38, Wednesday, 16 January 2013

SOUTH Lakes shrugged off the winter blues with a five-star performance at Kirkby Stephen.

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South Lakes went ahead on seven minutes as their early pressure was rewarded when Holly Nuttall found the back of the net, sweeping in a cross from Emma Armstrong.

Just two minutes later, they doubled their lead thanks to a classy penalty corner strike from Pam Robertson.

In response, the young Kirkby Stephen team rallied with some neat passing play through midfield to create chances of their own.

However, solid defending from the Lakes back three of Gayle Mawdsley, Vikki Edgar and Rebekah Nuttall, together with the goalkeeping of Karina Rushton, ensured the visitors were able to maintain at half-time.

After the break, a re-energised Lakes team struck early on.

Some smart attacking play between skipper Rebecca Cook, Armstrong and Dee Mason resulted in a penalty corner and Amy Rogan took advantage from the well-worked set-piece to take the score to 3-0.

Despite their lead, South Lakes could not relax as Kirkby Stephen continued to press in search of a goal.

However, they were thwarted by midfielders Cat Saunders, Jenny Broomby and Suze Caveney, who all worked tirelessly to soak up the pressure and maintain control of the game.

With eight minutes to go, the visitors pounced again when Rogan scored her second, neatly deflecting home a cross at the far post.

With the game all but wrapped up, there was still time for Kirsty Shanks to take the final score to 5-0 with a cheeky goal-line touch.

Despite some post-Christmas rustiness, South Lakes can be pleased with their strong win which sees them maintain second spot in the table.

First published at 16:34, Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk